AMMAN - The government is following up the recent proliferation of sand flies in Al Mazraa area in Mafraq Governorate, a senior official said on Sunday.
Agriculture Minister Saeed Masri said the ministry is currently testing samples of water used to irrigate crops in the area to find out if the “treated water” is causing the spread of these flies.
At a meeting with the Lower House health and agriculture committees yesterday, he noted that the ministry sprayed pesticides in the area to limit the spread of sand flies.
Over the past two weeks, Al Mazraa residents have complained that sand flies are multiplying in the area.
At yesterday’s meeting, Health Minister Nayef Fayez noted that a team of experts representing the ministries of health, agriculture and environment will visit the area in the next couple of days to determine the reasons behind the spread of sand flies and report to the House.
Infected sand flies are responsible for spreading a disease called “leishmaniasis”, according to US Centres for Disease Control website.
Industry and Trade Minister Amer Hadidi, who also attended yesterday’s meeting, said the government cannot stop or restrict the import of powdered milk as this contradicts trade agreements signed with other countries.
His comments came in response to requests by cattle farmers to stop importing powdered milk, as it affects sales of fresh milk.
Lawmakers also discussed the issue of a rice shipment that was allowed entry into the Kingdom recently, although it was infested with insects.
Jordan Food and Drug Administration Director General Mohammad Rawashdeh said the administration sterilised the rice using a safe substance that has no side effects on humans.
By Khetam Malkawi
© Jordan Times 2009
